Ephesians 4:10-12
King James Version
10 He that descended is the same also
that ascended up far above all heavens,
that he might fill all things.)
11 And he gave some, apostles;
and some, prophets;
and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors
and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints,
for the work of the ministry,
for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Who are deacons?
What are they supposed to do?
Scripture gives the answer:
1 Timothy 3:8-13
King James Version
8 Likewise must the deacons be grave,
not doubletongued,
not given to much wine,
not greedy of filthy lucre;
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10 And let these also first be proved;
then let them use the office of a deacon,
being found blameless.
11 Even so must their wives be grave,
not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife,
ruling their children and their own houses well.
13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well
purchase to themselves a good degree,
and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
What are their functions?
"The word deacon is derived from the Greek word diákonos (διάκονος),[1] which is a standard ancient Greek word meaning "servant", "waiting-man", "minister", or "messenger"
-- Wikipedia
"In the Catholic, Scandinavian Lutheran, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox churches, the diaconate is one of the major orders—the others being bishop, presbyter (priest), and, historically, subdeacon.[7] Deacons assist priests in their pastoral and administrative duties, but often report directly to the bishops of their diocese. They have a distinctive role in the liturgy of the Eastern and Western Churches."
-- Wikipedia
How are bishops and deacons differentiated?
"Baptists traditionally recognize two ordained positions in the church: Elders (Pastors) and Deacons, as per 1 Timothy 3. Some Baptist churches in the Reformed tradition recognize elder and pastor as separate offices."
-- Wikipedia
In the next post, we'll look at Catholic priests.
For I was once baptized Catholic.
Related material:
